Is it still considered breach of contract if we came to agreement of letting me out of the lease also for her convenience?

I agree with Mr. Moss' analysis. If the owner continues to refuse to refund the deposit (which she has to timely and appropriately account for...

Can I serve a 3 day to quit notice after a 30 day notice to vacate?

If you demand/accept rent, this would normally waive/invalidate the 30 day notice, because you would either be reinstating the old tenancy, or...

Can I SUE my landlord for negligence f during a eviction against me and use the fire that happened on PROPERTY ?

If you have not already done so, you can complain to the appropriate city departments (e.g. Department of Building Inspection and Fire Department)...

Retaliatory eviction defense?

California's retaliatory eviction statute may be found at Civil Code Section 1942.5 (retaliatory eviction may also be based on some other laws, but...

Even if you were late (which it does not seem you were, although I have not reviewed the actual rental agreement, etc.), late fees are generally...

Depending on the facts, you may have possible claims for nuisance (among other things), which would allow you to sue for both damages and an...

How can I terminate tenancy with a very difficult tenant without him thinking I'm retaliating for anything that he's done?

You should have a good landlord's liability insurance policy (with coverage for claims for wrongful eviction) in place before trying to do...

Can I terminate 1 year lease for landlord violating right to privacy and quiet enjoyment?

As you correctly note, California residential tenants have privacy rights and quiet enjoyment rights, which are implied by law into the rental...

Can a landlord put a tenant's pro-rated rental reimbursement toward alleged damages beyond those covered by a security deposit?

Cal. Civil Code Section 1950.5 regulates security deposits in residential tenancies, and Section 1950.5(l) provides for recovery of both actual...

When can I begin discovery?

A defendant normally has the right the right to begin discovery at any time. See e.g. Cal. Code of Civil Procedure Section 2030.020(a). Forms are...